Conservative MP Rob Anders rises in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Wednesday September 26, 2012(Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

Harper confidante overseeing Rob Anders’ nomination vote

Kelly Cryderman

Calgary — The Globe and Mail

Published Friday, Apr. 04, 2014 3:08PM EDT

Last updated Friday, Apr. 04, 2014 3:27PM EDT

Harper confidante and fundraiser Mark Kihn was in the news this week for his regular travel on the Prime Minister’s jet, but Mr. Kihn’s true focus in recent days has been a contentious party nomination contest in Calgary.

The long-time friend and wildly successful fundraiser for Stephen Harper will act as returning officer for the Conservative party nomination in Calgary Signal Hill on April 12, which will see true-blue conservative Rob Anders try to keep his job as MP in the face of a challenge by former provincial cabinet heavyweight Ron Liepert. The race highlights already include name-calling, apologies and a series of robocalls.